Bishop Auckland turned in a good performance in the Unibond League at promotion chasing Fleetwood on Saturday - but with the same inevitable result, writes Ray Simpson.

Bishops lost 3-2 in Lancashire, their 22nd defeat in 30 league games, to leave them 16 points adrift of the others, but manager Brian Healy was delighted with the performance.

"I thought that we were as good as Fleetwood, and the game could have gone either way," he said.

"We played and lost to them a few weeks ago, and we were much better than we were that day."

Fleetwood took the lead with a shot by Paul Allen on 18 minutes, and then Stuart Beech made it 2-0 on 55 minutes.

But Stephen Winspear hit back for Bishops with a header on the hour, then recent signing Graham Robinson levelled with a low shot.

However, hopes of a morale-boosting point were dashed when Fleetwood got a penalty that was converted by Jamie Milligan with 11 minutes left.

Bishops now have a spell of four home games inside eight days - weather permitting - starting this Wednesday against Goole at Dean Street.

Blyth are well in touch with the leaders in the Premier Division following a 2-0 home win over Prescot Cables, Robert Dale scoring both their goals to take .

Blyth are now third, with games in hand on the two clubs above them, Frickley and North Ferriby.

Whitby lost 3-1 at Telford, Danny Brunskill scoring a consolation goal late in the game.

Gateshead's home game with Witton Albion was postponed.